Obtaining Interpreter Services

San Joaquin County Court has expanded the case types for which interpreters are made available in accordance with AB 1657 . Interpreters are available for litigants, defendants and witnesses in all cases. The California Constitution requires that a person unable to understand English charged with a crime has the right to an interpreter throughout the proceedings.

Interpreters are available to assist you in the court proceedings identified below. It is recommended that you request a court interpreter as early as possible to ensure interpreter availability.

Appeals Cases

Civil Cases

Criminal Cases

Family Law Cases

Juvenile Delinquency Cases

Juvenile Dependency Cases

Probate Cases

Restraining Order Cases

Small Claims Cases

Traffic Cases

Unlawful Detainer (Landlord/Tenant) Cases)

Court interpreters should be requested as early as possible to make sure that they are available when needed. Waiting to request a court interpreter may result in court proceedings being postponed because an interpreter is not available.

If an interpreter is required outside the court, you may obtain the services of a court certified or registered interpreter who is authorized to provide interpretation services in California by selecting one from the list available at http://www.courts.ca.gov/3796.htm. Payment for these services is the responsibility of the party requesting the interpreter.

Email – Send an email to the Interpreter Coordinator at sjinterpreters@sjcourts.org. You must include the information required as noted above.

Phone – You may call the Interpreter Coordinator at (209) 992-5364. Please be ready to provide the information required as noted above.

In Person – You can inform a staff member at any of our clerk’s office windows when scheduling your hearing.

At your court hearing – You may request an interpreter when you appear in court. If an interpreter is not available, the Court may continue your matter.

Requesting an Interpreter in civil matters

To request an interpreter for a civil case, you may use form INT-300. Parties should submit this form to the clerk’s office at least 5 days prior to the hearing date to ensure interpreter availability.

At your court hearing – You may request an interpreter when you appear in court. If an interpreter is not available, the Court may continue your matter.